I use a flesh tone that is a general, overall color. Then I sculpt the three dimensionality with white or Naples yellow. This is only the first of numerous layers and it always looks blotchy. Use your best sable brushes and follow the patterns of light as you work the entire flesh area. You should only work on one area at a time, such as the face or an arm or other flesh part. The idea is to only begin as much as you can finish while wet. As you apply the brighter areas, keep in mind that you should also go over the shadow areas with a feather light touch. This practice will unite the light and dark areas of a portrait creating a natural and believable appearance. Remember, this is not a finished layer. You will perfect this flesh area with each pass and also refine it with glazes of color appropriate to the reference or sitter. Painting this method is a concept you can only learn from doing. Don’t let it stop you in your tracks. If you paint with intent and patience, you should gain skill with each attempt. Shalom, Diana

When I began making portraits, I was not happy with the depth and realism of the flesh. At some point I realized that they need something more: skin! After transferring my drawing to canvas, I try to perfect the brights and the darks. This not only achieves a likeness, it also emphasizes the light. This is what makes a portrait good or ‘ ho-hum’. Now, I will retouch the brights and darks and then begin with the glazes of flesh colors.

Last year I worked on a smaller portrait of my other great grandson, a brother to Colton. I still couldn’t see well from my cataract surgery and it is the only portrait I’ve done that did not make me happy. So, I began again with this one and I feel better already. Then I will do his brother again with a different image, one I like a lot. Then on to the sister. Busy, busy, busy.

In the spring I was told my glocoma could be remedied at the same time as the cataract removal so we set that into motion. Several complications occurred and when I finally went back to my art, several more complications arose. It is November and I am still trying to get glasses that will allow me to paint on a large canvas without changing glasses every minute. That sure prevents an artist from getting in the ‘zone’. Now I am waiting to have a pair of split focus, not progressive, bifocal glasses made. I hope it helps.
For now, you will see that I am working on smalls and on detail for a few portraits. I can see pretty good at close up range. I think I will begin to limit my show entries to one or two a year. I want to use my time working on things I feel are more urgent, like these portraits of my grandchildren. Actually, this is a great grand child! He has two brothers and a sister. I already did one of his little brother but I am not satisfied with it. I will do a different image. Well, I want to get back to work. Hugs, Diana